Cricket: Australia in complete control against Windies

HOBART -  Mike Hussey and Matthew Hayden smashed centuries yesterday as Australia strengthened their grip on the second cricket test against the West Indies.

Hussey scored his maiden test 100 with an unbeaten 116 while Hayden made 110.

Captain Ricky Ponting was 17 not out at stumps on the second day with his team in complete control at 256 for one in reply to West Indies' dismal first innings total of 149.

Hussey and Hayden piled on 231 for the first wicket to set a record for the opening partnership at Bellerive Oval in Hobart and the ninth highest in Australian history.

Hussey reached his 100 off 163 balls when he flicked Tino Edwards to the fine leg rope and ended the day with 18 boundaries to his credit.

Hayden struck 11 boundaries in his innings and a massive six of Dwayne Bravo that forced the umpires to change the ball as he set a host of batting records including his fourth 100 in a row.

He was eventually dismissed when he clipped Corey Collymore off his pads to Bravo at mid-wicket after tea.

- REUTERS